Afghans react to bin Laden's death

May 3 - Afghans and Pakistanis say death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden will not end the organisation's activities. Lindsey Parietti reports.

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In the war-torn country where Osama bin Laden was long believed to be hiding, Afghans are both worried and relieved after his assassination by U.S. forces in Pakistan.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) HUMAYOON JAN, RESIDENT OF KABUL, SAYING:
"I am glad Osama is dead because he was a terrorist and the world and Afghanistan have suffered from his terrorist actions a lot that is why I am happy he is gone."
Although some said al Qaeda's morale would be weakened, most, including Afghan politician and analyst, Khalid Pashtoon, predicted violence would continue.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AFGHAN FIRST DEPUTY OF PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AND POLITICAL ANALYST KHALID PASHTOON SAYING:
"I strongly believe that al Qaeda will get divided in two sectors. The one sector will get really demoralised they will leave back for their country or somewhere else and the rest may continue their fighting. And that would take a while before they finish, but I am sure the fighting will continue."
In India, where relations with neighbouring Pakistan are tense, residents said the Al-Qaeda leader's death was an important step.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MORTEZA, LOCAL RESIDENT, SAYING:
"Well, it's a good start to the end of the al Qaeda and the terrorism and the fear of being under terrorism is over, but I don't think so, Osama bin Laden is the only factor to the terrorism
Experts and citizens alike said his death was a symbolic victory over terrorism but not a significant blow to the decentralised al Qaeda network.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters

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